CD Review: The Lighthouse and the Whaler

Pioneers

The Lighthouse and the Whaler go for more dramatic sweeps than most of their chamber-pop peers. While many practitioners struggle to carry the weight of their string sections, this Cleveland quintet can be relatively nimble. Those baroque touches don't overwhelm this three-song EP, which serves as a tasty appetizer for their forthcoming second album. "Burst Apart" is the most enticing cut here, but "Venice" is dreamier, propelled by chiming xylophone and trebly guitar supported by broad washes of synth. Meanwhile, the delightfully perky and exultant title tune rides a martial rhythm and nostalgic sentiment as frontman Michael LoPresti longs to "go back to how it was before age impaired our reach." Can't wait for the full-length later this year. — Chris Parker